Electrically activatable light blocking cover for vehicle mirrors and method

ABSTRACT

A cover for use in connection with a mirror of a vehicle is provided. The cover is provided with a lens having an electrically activatable material. The lens is positioned in front of the vehicle mirror. The electrically activatable material blocks visible light directed towards the vehicle mirror such that the electrically activatable material prevents the visible light from being reflected off of the vehicle mirror when the electrically activatable material is set to a light inhibiting state. A device that holds the lens is securable to the vehicle mirror. The electrically activatable material of the lens is configured to be switched to the light inhibiting state in response to user operation such that the lens prevents reflection of the visible light off of the vehicle mirror to reduce observability of the vehicle mirror.

PRIORITY CLAIM AND CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The application claims priority to parent application Ser. No.12/533,191, titled “ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATABLE LIGHT BLOCKING COVER FORVEHICLE MIRRORS” by Alyn Brown and James Wiff filed Jul. 31, 2009 and isincorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to covers used for blocking light from reflectingoff vehicle mirrors such as external or internal mirrors of militarycombat vehicles or security vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Conventional mirrors are designed to reflect ambient light at all times.While this may be desirable in the daytime, trailing vehicles can oftenblind the driver at night by not having their headlights dimmed andshining the headlights into the mirrors of the driver's vehicle. Oneapproach to address this is to provide two reflective surfaces withdifferent reflectivity characteristics and provide a mechanicaladjustment on the mirror to allow for day and nighttime driving. Anotherapproach uses a wedge shaped mirror such that maximum reflectivity(e.g., in a day mode) is accomplished when the image is reflected offthe rear portion of the mirror which has the reflective coating. When analternative mode is desired, such as a night mode, the mirror isadjusted such that the reflected light is reflected off the front glasswhich has a lower reflectivity than the rear portion.

Other approaches employ interior vehicle mirrors that operateelectrochromatically such that they dim reflected light from trailingvehicles. The mirrors are calibrated to react to an amount of ambientlight as read by light sensors and are able to adjust the level ofreflectivity to reduce the chances of a driver from being blinded bytrailing vehicles at night.

For certain vehicles, such as military combat vehicles, it is desirableto provide total non-reflectivity of the mirror during specific times,such as during particular combat operations. For instance, covert andspecial operations missions are often executed at night and the abilityto perform such missions without being observed by enemy forces is key.To prevent any reflectivity off the mirrors during such combat missions,the mirrors are often either removed entirely or moved to a positionthat masks their reflective surface from observation. For somesituations, duct tape may also be placed over the mirrors to preventlight from reflecting. The ability to eliminate the observability of themirror resulting from light reflection may also be desirable forvehicles used for security purposes. Security vehicles may be vehiclesused for special operations purposes, police operations, or privatesecurity purposes. The conventional approaches that have been used toprevent light reflection off a vehicle mirror defeat the purpose ofhaving a vehicle mirror and require the time and effort of military orsecurity personnel to move or remove (and then re-install) the mirrorsas needed.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved light blocking devices forvehicle mirrors that are adapted to selectively block the reflectivityof ambient light from the mirrors in a convenient manner.

SUMMARY

A cover for use in connection with a mirror of a vehicle is provided.The cover is provided with a lens having an electrically activatablematerial. The lens is positioned in front of the vehicle mirror. Theelectrically activatable material blocks visible light directed towardsthe vehicle mirror such that the electrically activatable materialprevents the visible light from being reflected off of the vehiclemirror when the electrically activatable material is set to a lightinhibiting state. A device that holds the lens is securable to thevehicle mirror. The electrically activatable material of the lens isconfigured to be switched to the light inhibiting state in response touser operation such that the lens prevents reflection of the visiblelight off of the vehicle mirror to reduce observability of the vehiclemirror.

A mirror cover kit is also provided with a bezel substantially sized andshaped to fit over a mirror mounted on a vehicle. A lens having anelectrically activatable material that blocks visible light directedtowards the mirror such that the electrically activatable materialprevents the visible light from being reflected off of the mirror whenthe electrically activatable mirror is set to a light inhibiting stateto reduce observability of the vehicle mirror. A mounting device isprovided for mounting and affixing the bezel over a housing of themirror of the vehicle.

A method of utilizing a cover to reduce the observability of a mirror ofa vehicle is also provided. A lens is positioned in front of the vehiclemirror with the lens having an electrically activatable material thatblocks visible light directed towards the vehicle mirror such that theelectrically activatable material prevents the visible light from beingreflected off of the vehicle mirror when the electrically activatablematerial is set to a light inhibiting state. The electricallyactivatable material of the lens is switchable from a light passingstate to a light inhibiting state such that, in the light inhibitingstate, the lens prevents reflection of the visible light off of thevehicle mirror to reduce observability of the vehicle mirror.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle with covers positioned overthe vehicle mirrors;

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of Detail 1A in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective side view of an example of the coverinstalled over a vehicle mirror in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view in Detail 2A in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 3A-3C are perspective side views of the cover in FIG. 2 cutvertically to show the cross-sectional views of the layers shown in FIG.2;

FIG. 3D is a view of the cross-section in FIG. 3A at detail 3D;

FIG. 4 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating operation of anexample mirror cover; and

FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of another example of a cover havingreleasably securable clips or straps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle 100 with covers 102 a and 102b positioned over the vehicle mirrors. The vehicle 100 may be, forexample, a security vehicle, a military vehicle such as a High MobilityMultipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV, or “Hummvee”), or any other vehiclethat may be used in conditions in which it is desirable that the vehicleremain undetectable. For example, a Hummvee, or other military transportvehicles, may be used to carry military personnel into areas ofbattlefield conditions. At night, it is desirable to remain undetectableto any enemy personnel that may be in the area. The military vehicle mayturn its lights off and even cover the light lenses to avoid reflectionsoff the light assemblies. Current military ground vehicles typically usemirrors to permit drivers to see to the side of the vehicle and behindthe vehicle. The vehicle 100 in FIG. 1 may also have mirrors for agunner to use to see behind the vehicle 100. When the lights are turnedoff while approaching battlefield conditions, the mirrors may reflectincident light thereby risking detection by enemy personnel. In themilitary vehicle 100 in FIG. 1, for example, a driver or passenger mayactivate the mirror covers 102 a,b to avoid detection due to incidentlight reflections from the mirrors. The mirror covers 102 a,b mayotherwise be in an inactive state that permits incident light to passthrough to the mirrors.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of Detail 1A in FIG. 1 illustrating themirror cover 102 a. The mirror cover 102 a may be mounted on the mirror,which is attached to the vehicle 100 using a mirror support structure106. The mirror cover 102 a may also be connected to mirror cover leads104, which may extend into the vehicle 100 to an actuation device (notshown).

FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective side view of an example of the coverfor installation over a vehicle mirror in FIG. 1. The cover assembly 200includes a bezel 202 for supporting the cover assembly 200, a lens 204,and a spacer 206. The cover assembly 200 may be configured to fit on anexisting mirror assembly on the vehicle. The existing mirror assemblymay include a mirror 208, and a housing, or backshell 210 as shown inFIG. 2. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view in Detail 2A in FIG. 2, whichillustrates the structure of the lens 204. The lens 204, in thisexample, includes a first transparent layer 212, an electrochromaticlayer 214, and a second transparent layer 216. The transparent layers212, 216 may made of a glass or polycarbonate material, or of a glassmaterial such as plexiglass or a bullet resistant glass. Theelectrochromatic layer 214 may be laminated to the transparent layers212, 216, or otherwise assembled as shown in FIG. 2A in a suitablemanner. As seen, the lens 204 is positioned in front of the vehiclemirror 208. The lens 204 may be fixed, along with the spacer 206 andmirror 208, to the bezel 202 and the housing 210 using known fixingtechniques (for example, adhesive, screws, clips, etc.). The mirror 208may be held in housing 210 by spacer 206. Spacer 206 may further be usedto hold the lens 204 with the front portion of the lens seated withinthe bezel housing 202. The bezel 202 and housing 210 form an enclosurefor keeping the cover assembly 200 assembled. The bezel 202 may bereleasably secured over the vehicle mirror 208. In an alternativeembodiment, the bezel 202 may have one or more rims that provide snap-onsecurement of the bezel to the vehicle mirror housing. Alternatively,the bezel 202 may be releasably securable to the back housing 210 byreleasably securable clips or straps.

In normal operation, the lens 204 may be turned ‘off’ to allow visiblelight to pass through to the reflective surface of the mirror 208. Thereflective surface of the mirror 208 reflects any incident light throughthe lens 204. In conditions in which the driver of the vehicle desiresto be undetectable, the driver or a passenger may switch an actuatorthat darkens the mirror cover 200. The mirror cover 200 may then inhibitand prevent visible light from passing electrically activatable film 214of the lens 204 in either direction. Incident light is inhibited andprevented from passing through the electrically activatable film 214, orfrom passing reflected light from the mirror 208.

In an example implementation, the electrically activatable film 214 mayinclude an electrochromatic polymer (ECP) film, a material used inliquid crystal displays (LCD), and/or organic materials, such as organicmaterials that may be used in LCDs. One example type of ECP materialactivates when a voltage of 1 VDC is applied to the film.

As seen, the electrically activatable material 214 may be provided invarious constructions, such as a film that can be disposed betweentransparent layers. Other material constructions may use a vapordeposition process on two adjacent faces of two layers of material andsome with additional liquid material in between, for example. Electricalactivation maybe applied to the two layers, for example, causingmigration of certain elements to one layer or the other producing adesired effect. In another example, a suspended particle device (SPD)film may be used with an inverter that produces AC voltage to drive thefilm. The electrically activatable material may also include phasedispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs), materials known as SageGlass® fromSage Electrochromics, Inc., and electrochromatic materials provided byChromogenics AB.

In general, the film may determine how the mirror cover 200 isactivated. Two scenarios include:

1. A film that is energized to a light inhibiting state;

2. A film that is de-energized to a light inhibiting state.

In one example, the film may include multiple layers each havingspecific functions. For example, the film may include anelectrochromopore, an electrolyte layer, and an ion storage layer. Insuch films, the electrolyte layer is typically a liquid or a gel. Inanother example, the film may be a rigid or flexible electrochromaticpolymer that maybe cast from solution on a glass or poly(ethyleneterephthalate) (“PET”) substrate. The assembly may then be heated underpressure to laminate the structures. The laminated assembly may includeoptically transparent electrodes, such as for example, indium tin oxide(ITO) layers that maybe deposited on the glass or PET substrate andconfigured for connection to a power supply.

In another implementation, the film may include electrochromic glazingconsisting of five thin-film ceramic layers coated directly onto glass.Electrochromic glazing maybe implemented similar to low-emissivityglazing used to make energy efficient windows, but in a circuit thatenables switching between light transmission or light blocking asdesired.

In another implementation, the film may a suspended particles device(SPD), which uses small light-absorbing particles, otherwise known as“light valves.” For example, a SPD may be sandwiched between glass orplastic layers and connected via electrical leads to an AC power source.In the ‘off’ state, the particles are randomly distributed in the SPDand block light incident on the glass or plastic wall from passingthrough. In the ‘on’ state, the particles are aligned and allow theincident light to pass through.

In another implementation, a liquid-crystal sheet maybe bonded betweentwo layers of glass. The liquid crystal sheet may be connected to apower source. When switched to the ‘on’ state, the voltage rearrangesthe liquid-crystal molecules to allow light to pass through the glass.When switched to the “off” state, the liquid-crystal molecules disperselight making the device opaque.

In some implementations, a selected film maybe rigid enough to implementas a single layer precluding the need for other transparent layers 212,216 (in FIG. 2A). In other implementations, the film may be laminated onone side of a transparent layer 212 or 216. In certain embodiments, twoor more layers of the film placed adjacent to one another may be used toachieve enhanced light blocking capabilities.

FIGS. 3A-3 C are perspective side views of the cover assembly 200 andmirror assembly, including the mirror 208 and backshell 210 as shown inFIG. 2 assembled and cut vertically to show the cross-sectional view ofthe layers shown in FIG. 2. FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate various states ofoperation of the mirror covers 200 when incident light is directedtowards the mirror.

FIG. 3A shows the mirror cover 200, which includes the lens 204. Themirror cover 200 in FIG. 3A is in an inactive state, in which incidentlight 310 passes through the lens 204 to the mirror 208. The incidentlight 310 reflects off of the mirror layer 208 as reflected light 320 toenable normal use of the mirror.

FIG. 3B shows the mirror cover 200 in an active or light inhibitingstate. In the light inhibiting state, the lens 204 turns substantiallyopaque and inhibits the passage of incident light 330 through the lens204. By preventing the incident light 330 from passing through the lens204, the mirror cover 200 operates to inhibit reflection of the incidentlight 330 off the mirror and thereby inhibiting detection of thevehicle.

FIG. 3C shows an application in which the mirror cover 200 includes anelectro chromatic material that selectively allows light havingwavelengths in a selected range to pass through while blocking light inother wavelengths ranges. In FIG. 3C, selected incident light 360 in aselected wavelength range is allowed to pass through the mirror cover200 and reflect off the reflective surface of the mirror 208. Otherincident light 370 in another wavelength range is blocked. In theapplication illustrated by FIG. 3C, the selected wavelength range forthe incident light allowed to pass at 360 may be for light in the rangefrom 700 nanometers to a 1200 nanometers.

In another example, the selected wavelength maybe in the infraredspectrum, for example. While light that is visible with the naked eyemay be blocked at lens 204, light in the infrared may be allowed to passand reflect off the reflective surface of the mirror 208. In thismanner, a vehicle may be detected by friendly personnel equipped withdetectors able to detect the reflected infrared light 380. Thenon-infrared incident light 370, including visible light, would beblocked allowing the vehicle to escape detection by enemy personnel thatlack detectors of infrared, such as for example, night vision goggles(NVG).

FIG. 3D is a view of the cross-section in FIG. 3A at detail 3D. FIG. 3Dshows the upper frame portion of the bezel 202, the lens 204, the spacer206, and how it may fit on the backshell 210, which holds the mirror208.

FIG. 4 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating operation of anexample mirror cover. FIG. 4 shows a circuit 400 that includes a powersupply 402 as an electrical power source, an electrical coupling device404, and a mirror cover 406. The electrical coupling device 404 may beany device adapted to electrically couple the electrically activatablematerial in the mirror cover 406 to the power supply 402. The electricalcoupling device 404 in FIG. 4 is shown as a switch that may be set toone of two states: State A or State B. In State A, the electricalcoupling device 404 is open disabling the transfer of power from thepower supply 402 to the mirror cover 406. State A is shown in FIG. 4 toallow incident light to pass through the mirror cover 406 to reflect offof the reflective surface of the mirror (not shown in FIG. 4). State Arepresents normal operation in the example illustrated by FIG. 4.

When the electrical coupling device 404 is closed to State B, power iscoupled from the power supply 402 to the mirror cover 406 to inhibitincident light from passing through the mirror cover 406. It is notedthat the example shown in FIG. 4 assumes that the mirror cover 406includes a film 214 (see FIG. 2A) that inhibits light when electricallyenergized. That is, the electrically activatable material becomes opaqueupon being electrically energized and the electrically activatablematerial becomes transparent upon being electrically de-energized. Theelectrically activatable material becomes electrically energized uponreaching a voltage potential threshold such that the lens does not allowthe transmission of ambient light into the reflective surface of themirror 208 (see FIG. 2).

In an example in which the film 214 inhibits light when electricallyde-energized, States A and B would provide the opposite operation asthat indicated above. That is, the electrically activatable materialbecomes opaque upon being electrically de-energized and the electricallyactivatable material becomes transparent upon being electricallyenergized. The electrically activatable material becomes electricallyde-energized upon removal of a voltage potential threshold such that thelens does not allow the transmission of incident light to the reflectivesurface of the mirror.

In another example, the film 214 may be in one state, such as opaque ortransparent, with a voltage having a first polarity (for example, +/−)applied to it, and switch to the other state, such as transparent oropaque, when the polarity is switched (for example, to −/+).

The electrical coupling device 404 in FIG. 4 is depicted with a switchactuator 404 a, or actuation device, illustrating alternative ways tochange the state of the electrical coupling device 404. For example, theelectrical coupling device 404 may be an on/off switch in a controlpanel accessible by a user in the cabin of the vehicle. The user maymanually switch the electrical coupling device 404 from off to on, orvice versa depending on whether the user desires to be detectable.Referring to the example described above, the user may switch the switch404 from State A (off) to State B (on) to block light and blackout thevehicle.

The switch actuator 404 a may also be implemented as a toggle switch, abutton, an actuator on a touch panel screen, or a sensor such as aphotocell sensor with switch capabilities upon sensing light activity.The actuation device 404 a may be any actuator employed to initiatechange of operation modes.

The switch actuator 404 a may be a hardwired switch, a softwarecontrolled switch or a wireless control. For example, the switchactuator 404 a may be an electronic switch connected to a controllerthat controls the mirror cover 406 systematically. For example, acontrol panel may be configured to place a vehicle in a battlefieldcondition such that activation of the mirror cover 406 is one functionperformed to place the vehicle in battlefield condition. The electricalcoupling device 404 may also be implemented using a wireless connectionto a control panel that may or may not be located in the vehicle itself.In alternative arrangements, electrical coupling device 404 may simplybe an electrical conductor, such as a cable or copper wiring toelectrically couple the electrically activatable material to a powersource 402.

The power supply 402 may include the vehicle power supply coupled to thecover 406 via a control panel in the vehicle. The power supply 402 mayalso include a vehicle battery coupled via a control panel of thevehicle. The power supply 402 may also include an accessory batterycoupled via a control panel adapted to re-charge the accessory batterybased on conditions of a vehicle battery.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of a mirror cover 500attached to a vehicle mirror 502. The mirror cover 500 is attached tothe mirror 502 using four clips 506 that may “hook” to the backside ofthe mirror 502 at 508. The tension of the clips 506 may be adjusted toprovide a tight fit over the mirror 502. Alternatively, releasablysecurable straps 506 may be used to aid in securing the front bezel ofthe cover 500 to the backshell housing the mirror. The view in FIG. 5 isfrom behind the mirror 502. The lens having the electrically activatablefilm is on the opposite side of the mirror 502 shown in FIG. 5.

The example mirror cover 500 in FIG. 5 illustrates implementation of amirror cover kit that may be implemented for use with vehicles that mayalready be in the field. Different kits may implemented for differentmodels according to the mirrors installed on the vehicles. The mirrorcover 500 in the kits may have different dimensions, shapes and mayimplement different ways of attaching to the mirror and use variousmounting devices for mounting and affixing a front bezel to the coverhousing. The clips 506 shown in FIG. 5 conform to the shape and contourof the back of the mirror 502. Other examples may include straps orbelts that go around the mirror 500 and may be fastened and tightened.

As seen, a method of utilizing the electrically activatable lightblocking cover to reduce and eliminate the observability of a vehiclemirror during certain modes of operation is provided. The lens may beplaced in a bezel of the cover. The lens is then positioned in front ofthe vehicle mirror. The lens has an electrically activatable materialthat is able to be electrically coupled with an electrical power source.The electrically activatable material of the lens is switched from alight passing state in which ambient light is permitted to pass throughthe lens for reflection off the mirror to a light inhibiting state inwhich the lens prevents the reflectivity of visible light off thevehicle mirror to reduce observability of the vehicle mirror. Theelectrically activatable material, for example, may be one or morelayers of an eletrochromatic film that are positioned between layers oftransparent glass material of the lens.

The blocking capabilities of the electrically activatable material maybe such that substantially all ambient light is blocked out fromreflecting off the vehicle mirror when the electrically activatablematerial is set to the light inhibiting state. In alternativearrangements, the lens may selectively pass light of a particularspectrum (such as infrared light ranging from approximately 700nanometers to approximately 1200 nanometers) to the mirror forreflection and block out light at wavelengths outside the spectrum. Inone example, the electrically activatable material becomes opaque whenelectrically energized and becomes transparent when it is electricallyde-energized. Alternatively, the electrically activatable material maybecome opaque when it is electrically de-energized and becometransparent when it is electrically energized. The cover may be adaptedfor retrofit installation. The lens, for instance, may be positioned andheld in the bezel of the cover. The bezel may then be secured over thehousing of the vehicle mirror by securable straps or clips.

The foregoing description of implementations has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not exhaustive and doesnot limit the claimed inventions to the precise form disclosed.Modifications and variations are possible in light of the abovedescription or may be acquired from practicing the invention. The claimsand their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cover for use in connection with a mirror of avehicle, comprising: a lens configured to be positioned in front of thevehicle mirror, the lens having an electrically activatable materialthat comprises at least one layer of electrochromatic film, theelectrically activatable material blocks visible light directed towardsthe vehicle mirror such that the electrically activatable materialprevents the visible light from being reflected off of the vehiclemirror when the electrically activatable material is set to a lightinhibiting state, the electrically activatable material is coupled to anelectric power source wherein the electrical power source comprises atleast one of vehicle power, a vehicle battery, and an accessory batterycoupled to the vehicle battery; and wherein the electrically activatablematerial of the lens is configured to be switched to the lightinhibiting state such that the lens prevents reflection of the visiblelight off of the vehicle mirror to reduce observability of the vehiclemirror.
 2. The cover of claim 1 wherein the at least one layer ofelectrochromatic film is affixed to at least one layer of a transparentmaterial of the lens.
 3. The cover of claim 1 wherein theelectrochromatic film is disposed between layers of transparent materialof the lens.
 4. The cover of claim 1 wherein the device furthercomprises a bezel, the bezel holds the lens and is configured to beremovably affixed to the vehicle mirror.
 5. The cover of claim 1 whereinthe vehicle mirror is a military combat vehicle mirror or a securityvehicle mirror and wherein the electrically activatable materialcomprises at least one of: (a) suspended particle device (SPD) material;(b) liquid crystal display (LCD) material; and (c) phase dispersedliquid crystals (PDLCs).
 6. The cover of claim 5 wherein theelectrically activatable material is configured to block outsubstantially all ambient light from reflecting off the mirror when theelectrically activatable material is set to the light inhibiting state.7. The cover of claim 5 wherein the electrically activatable material isconfigured to selectively pass light of a particular spectrum to themirror for reflection and block out light at wavelengths outside of thespectrum.
 8. The cover of claim 5 wherein the electrically activatablematerial is configured to selectively pass infrared light to bereflected off the mirror while the electrically activatable materialblocks visible light directed towards the mirror.
 9. The cover of claim8 wherein the electrically activatable material selectively passes lightranging from 700 nanometers to 1200 nanometers.
 10. The cover of claim 1wherein the device further comprises a bezel that holds the lens andwherein the bezel is configured to be releasably secured over thevehicle mirror.
 11. The cover of claim 10 wherein the bezel comprises atleast one rim adapted for snap-on securement of the bezel to the vehiclemirror.
 12. The cover of claim 10 wherein the bezel is releasablysecurable to a back housing containing the vehicle mirror by a pluralityof releasably securable clips or straps.
 13. The cover of claim 1wherein the electrically activatable material becomes opaque upon beingelectrically energized and the electrically activatable material becomestransparent upon being electrically de-energized.
 14. The cover of claim13 wherein the electrically activatable material becomes electricallyenergized upon reaching a voltage potential threshold such that the lensdoes not allow the reflectivity of ambient light off the vehicle mirrorwhen the electrically activatable material is electrically energized.15. The cover of claim 1 wherein the electrically activatable materialis configured to block ambient light from reflecting off the mirror uponbeing electrically energized.
 16. The cover of claim 1 wherein theelectrically activatable material becomes opaque upon being electricallyde-energized and the electrically activatable material becomestransparent upon being electrically energized.
 17. The cover of claim 16wherein the electrically activatable material becomes electricallyde-energized upon removal of a voltage potential threshold such that thelens does not allow the reflectivity of ambient light off the vehiclemirror when the electrically activatable material is electricallyde-energized.
 18. The cover of claim 16 wherein the electricallyactivatable material is configured to block ambient light fromreflecting off the mirror upon being electrically de-energized.
 19. Thecover of claim 1 further comprising a coupling device configured toelectrically couple, at least in part, the electrically activatablematerial to the electrical power source; and an actuator configured toset the electrically activatable material of the lens to the lightinhibiting state in response to user operation.
 20. The cover of claim19 wherein the actuator is positioned at a control panel within thevehicle and wherein the actuator comprises at least one of: (a) aswitch; (b) panel touch screen; (c) button; and (d) sensor.
 21. Thecover of claim 19 wherein the actuator comprises at least one of: (a) ahardwired switch; (b) a software switch; and (c) wireless control. 22.The cover of claim 19 wherein the at least one of the vehicle power, thevehicle battery, and the accessory battery is coupled with a controlpanel of the vehicle.
 23. The cover of claim 19 wherein the electricalpower source comprises the vehicle battery and wherein the vehiclebattery is coupled with a control panel of the vehicle.
 24. The cover ofclaim 19 wherein the electrical power source comprises the accessorybattery and wherein the accessory battery is coupled with the controlpanel, the control panel is configured to re-charge the accessorybattery based on conditions of a vehicle battery.
 25. A mirror cover kitcomprising: a bezel substantially sized and shaped to fit over a mirrormounted on a vehicle; a lens having an electrically activatable materialthat blocks visible light directed towards the mirror such that theelectrically activatable material prevents the visible light from beingreflected off of the mirror when the electrically activatable materialis set to a light inhibiting state to reduce observability of thevehicle mirror, wherein the electrically activatable material comprisesat least one layer of electrochromatic film and wherein theelectrochromatic film is disposed between layers of transparent materialof the lens; and a mounting device configured to mount and affix thebezel over a housing of the mirror of the vehicle.
 26. The mirror coverkit of claim 25 wherein the mounting device further comprises clips orstraps.
 27. A method of utilizing a cover to reduce the observability ofa mirror of a vehicle, comprising: positioning a lens adjacent to thevehicle mirror, the lens having an electrically activatable material inwhich the electrically activatable material blocks visible lightdirected towards the vehicle mirror such that the electricallyactivatable material prevents the visible light from being reflected offof the vehicle mirror when the electrically activatable material is setto a light inhibiting state, wherein the electrically activatablematerial comprises at least one layer of electrochromatic film;electrically coupling the electrically activatable material with anelectrical power source, wherein the electrical power source comprisesat least one of vehicle power, a vehicle battery, and an accessorybattery coupled to the vehicle battery; and switching the electricallyactivatable material of the lens from a light passing state to the lightinhibiting state such that, in the light inhibiting state, the lensprevents reflection of the visible light off of the vehicle mirror toreduce observability of the vehicle mirror.
 28. The method of claim 27wherein the at least one layer of electrochromatic film is positionedbetween layers of transparent material of the lens.
 29. The method ofclaim 27 further comprising placing the lens in a bezel configured to beremovably affixed to the vehicle mirror.
 30. The method of claim 27wherein the vehicle mirror is a military combat vehicle mirror or asecurity vehicle mirror and wherein the electrically activatablematerial comprises at least one of: (a) suspended particle device (SPD)material; (b) liquid crystal display (LCD) material; and (c) phasedispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs).
 31. The method of claim 30 furthercomprising blocking out substantially all ambient light from reflectingoff the mirror when the electrically activatable material is set to thelight inhibiting state.
 32. The method of claim 30 further comprisingselectivity passing light of a particular spectrum to the mirror forreflection and blocking out light at wavelengths outside of thespectrum.
 33. The method of claim 30 further comprising selectivelypassing infrared light to be reflected off the mirror and blocking outvisible light while the electrically activatable material blocks visiblelight directed towards the mirror.
 34. The method of claim 33 furthercomprising selectively passing light ranging from 700 nanometers to 1200nanometers through the lens.
 35. The method of claim 27 wherein the lensis held in a bezel of the cover and further comprising releasablysecuring the bezel over the vehicle mirror.
 36. The method of claim 35further comprising releasably securing the bezel to a back housingcontaining the vehicle mirror by a plurality of securable clip orstraps.
 37. The method of claim 27 further comprising electricallyenergizing the electrically activatable material such that theelectrically activatable material becomes opaque, and de-energizing theelectrically activatable material such that electrically activatablematerial becomes transparent.
 38. The method of claim 27 furthercomprising electrically de-energizing the electrically activatablematerial such that the electrically activatable material becomes opaque,and electrically energizing the electrically activatable material suchthat the electrically activatable material becomes transparent.
 39. Themethod of claim 27 wherein the electrical power source comprises vehiclepower and further comprising coupling the vehicle power with a controlpanel of the vehicle.
 40. The method of claim 27 wherein the electricalpower source comprises the vehicle battery and further comprisingcoupling the vehicle battery with a control panel of the vehicle. 41.The method of claim 27 wherein the electrical power source comprises theaccessory battery and further comprising coupling the accessory batterywith a control panel, and re-charging the accessory battery based onconditions of a vehicle battery.